Costs are the Biggest Obstacle to Urban Transformation in Antalya

The long-debated urban transformation process in Antalya is failing to progress at the desired speed due to soaring costs and challenging economic conditions. Sadullah Kabakuşak, Second President of the Chamber of Civil Engineers Antalya Branch, stated that citizens cannot afford the costs and contractors are struggling to find suitable projects.

The Impact of Economic Conditions

It was stated that the most fundamental problem facing urban transformation in Antalya is economic conditions and that the current system makes transformation difficult. It was emphasized that although citizens want to renovate their homes, they cannot afford the resulting costs, and contractors struggle to find suitable projects due to land, financing, and construction costs.

Island-Based Planning

It was reported that transformations carried out on a parcel basis only ensure the renovation of the existing building while failing to solve neighborhood-scale problems. It was argued that parking lots, green spaces, transportation connections, and social amenities can be addressed together through planning to be made on an island basis.

The Necessity of Public Support

It was stated that leaving urban transformation entirely to commercial agreements between citizens and contractors makes transformation impossible in low-value areas. It was expressed that public support must be at the center of the solution, with the state providing long-term financing and municipalities offering infrastructure support.

Earthquake Complacency Warning

It was emphasized that the complacency present in society despite the old building stock in Antalya is dangerous. It was noted that the fact that the city does not face the same earthquake hazard as Istanbul or Hatay does not mean there is no earthquake problem, and there is a significant amount of old building stock, especially in Muratpaşa.